Illustrating the work of the International Award globally through case studies, features and best practice

Issue 59 October 2008

www.intaward.org

> Pieter Verhoog on how the Award changed his life In this > Section spotlight: Service > Foreign connections: Gold Award holders issue > Tips on how to take a good Award photo Welcome

Well, here we are into our second issue of the new look Award World, which we hope is even better than the first. Judging by the feedback we’ve had from some of you, the changes we’ve made have gone down well. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch. As many of you will be aware, over the last year the Association has been highlighting the impact of the Award in secure institutions. We really believe that the Programme can provide young offenders with the tools to build a more positive future for themselves. But it’s not just the young people in prisons who are affected by the Award – on page 4 you can read Pieter’s story and find out how adults working with young offenders can find the direction of their lives changed by the Programme. Of course, as well as trying to make the Award available to different groups of young people, our challenge is to extend the geographical reach of the Programme. Our feature on Extending the Award (page 12) focuses on one of the key countries we are targeting: Brazil. With a youth population of around 35 million, and its position of strategic significance within South America, it’s a country that offers huge opportunities for the Award. Sifting through so many positive Award stories and deciding which to include in the magazine is a challenge at the best of times. Thankfully I don’t have to do it alone, as I have recently been joined by Pamela Marmito (pictured below left), our new communications executive, who is now in charge of Award World. She is eager to get to know you all and tease out your best stories! (To find out more about her turn to People News on page 22). Please get in touch with Pam ([email protected]) if you have a tale to tell, or want to give us any feedback about the magazine.

Becky Becky Hirt Head of Communications

www.intaward.org Page 2 | Award World Inside... Features 10 Foreign connections 12 Extending the Award: Brazil 14 Reaching ’s immigrant communities 17 Round the world with 21 events 18 How to take a good Award photo 10 20 Section spotlight: Service Regulars 4 How the Award changed my life 6 Around the world - Africa 7 Around the world - Americas 8 Around the world - Asia Pacific 9 Around the world - EMAS 16 A day in the life 22 People news 23 Award directory

Editor: Becky Hirt Sub-editor: Pam Marmito The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association Award House 7-11 St Matthew Street London 12 SW1P 2JT Tel: +44 (0) 20 7222 4242 [email protected] www.intaward.org Registered charity in the UK number 1072453 Company limited by guarantee number 3666389

Award World is the International Award Association’s internal magazine for Award operators, leaders and volunteers. It has a print run of 15,000 copies, is published twice a year and distributed to National Award Authorities and Independent Operators in over 125 countries.

Printed by Newman Thomson Ltd, and designed by heymoscow.com

Front cover photograph: Rosalyn Yake

The submission deadline for the next edition is 5 Dec 2008, for publication in April 2009. Any photographs submitted must be a minimum of 300 dpi.

The International Award is an exciting self- development programme available to young people worldwide, equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world. To date, over 6 million young people from over 125 countries have been motivated to undertake a variety of voluntary and challenging activities. 4 © 2008 The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association www.intaward.org Award World | Page 3 How the Award changed my life How the Award changed my life

Pieter Verhoog

“My name is Pieter Verhoog and I am a correctional official and Award Leader “I had always been curious at the Brandvlei Youth Centre in South Africa, which is home to about 480 young about what the members and offenders. I had worked at the Brandvlei Maximum Security Centre for eight years but inmates were doing when they got transferred to the Youth Centre just after it was newly built to accommodate juveniles. went on expeditions in the This was where I first heard about the Award Programme. My work at the Brandvlei Youth mountains so I volunteered.” Centre was mainly security and one of the Award Leaders, John Joubert, was participating inmates per year. looking for a security member to escort At Brandvlei Youth Centre we have the Bronze candidates for an expedition. 12 enthusiastic Award Leaders and a full- I had always been curious about what time school where the Award is part of the members and inmates were doing the school programme. I am a full-time when they went on expeditions in the Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (SRAC) Below: mountains so I volunteered. This was a official and on my timetable for the week Inmates real eye-opener for me because I saw first- there are ten periods allocated for the undertake the Skills Section. hand how the Programme was bringing Programme. Most offenders have a real new opportunities to inmates. When the aversion to school but the Programme has government committed to change every prison warder’s main focus from security to the rehabilitation of offenders for successful reintegration into communities, I decided that it was the right time to be part of the Programme and be part of this big family. I also wanted to be part of the change in the participants’ lives so when the Programme was looking for people to be trained as facilitators at Brandvlei, my name was first on the list. I’ve been with the Award for seven years and the Programme is very successful here at Brandvlei. About 30 of our young offenders have gained their Gold Award and 150 have their Silver and Bronze. Until 2004 we enrolled about 12-15 participants per year but now the number of participants has increased to 40 at the Youth Centre, 20 at the Medium Security Centre and 15 at the Maximum Security Centre. Overall, we have massively increased the number of

www.intaward.org Page 4 | Award World How the Award changed my life

been a big success in motivating them to gain education achievements. Our inmates “Gangsterism is do various activities including drama, motivational talks with outside schools, a big problem and attending courses such as business skills, first aid or a football referees’ in prison but course through the South African Football Association (SAFA). During April this year, Read more the drama group toured the Southern Cape when some of testimonials at doing drug and alcohol awareness and Aids these youngsters www.intaward.org drama performances at various schools. Planning ahead is very important in correctional services. We started the join the Award Programme in February and divided up the school year to focus on each Section. Programme, Term one is dedicated to Skills and Physical Recreation, term two is for Service and their whole life Skills, term three is Adventurous Journey and term four is when we work mostly with our Silver and Gold participants. Our changes. They biggest challenge is changing the mindset of security members. Security is an important become better part of correctional services and when you take inmates out to do their community people.” service or expeditions, there is always the risk that they will escape. But in the 14 years that the Award has been running in The inmates love and enjoy the Award and correctional services in South Africa, there it has made a big difference in our prison has not been one escape, which just shows system. More prisons have joined the the impact on those taking part. Programme and have made it part of their Gangsterism is a big problem in prison life skills project. but when some of these youngsters join I really enjoy being part of the Award the Award Programme, their whole life and it is very rewarding when you see the changes. They become better people. The change in the inmates and watch them Programme gives them confidence and grow into better people. I feel very proud makes them realise that they should make to be making a difference to their lives. The better choices in life. I also get a lot from Programme gives these young people hope being personally involved in the Award. I for the future and it gives me hope for the meet so many different people every time I future.” go on an expedition or Adventurous Journey and I also get to see the inmates beginning to understand that prison is not a place for young people. I am very passionate and committed to the Award and what it is doing for our inmates. Below: This Programme has definitely given A group of participants the participants a new outlook on life. from Brandvlei Once released, most of them never return paving the to prison again and when you talk to them grounds of a about the Programme, they tell you about school. the changes it has brought to their lives.

www.intaward.org Award World | Page 5 Around the world - Africa Africa

Crossing divides in Malawi to portable water, comprehensive healthcare, education or a livelihood, many are forced into extreme poverty and hunger. To raise awareness and bring much needed help, the Known as the ‘Eton of Africa’, the Kamuzu Academy lies in Nigeria National Youth Award (NNYA) and the Rural Youth the depths of rural Malawi in the Kasungu district. Although Advocacy Network (RYAN) teamed up to introduce an there is real poverty in the area and the provision of environmental sanitation programme at the Abuja school for healthcare and education is inadequate, the majority of the the disabled and handicapped. Launched on International Academy’s pupils come from the urban centres of Lilongwe Volunteers Day on 5 December 2007, the programme will and Blantyre with little or no experience of rural Malawian support people with disabilities, helping them with cleaning life. It is only through the Award that students are able to and healthcare. engage with the harsh realities of Malawi, overcoming the Award participants helped plan and implement the event, cultural and economic divide that separates them from their undertook cleaning duties and advocacy visits. With RYAN fellow Malawians. providing refreshments and funding for transport, the young people were able to get to Abuja school and donate their time, energy and skills to help those in desperate need of care, support and assistance. The young people are making a real impact in communities, especially in the area of HIV and AIDS prevention, management and control, and the programme is continuing to break new ground in Nigeria. Many participants have gone on to undertake volunteering within their own communities and the programme has even enlisted the support of local celebrities and excited the interest of the government. The future’s bright in Cameroon

In May, Dr Judith Ellen Dean, Africa’s regional director, and Matthew Kithyaka, operations director, visited Cameroon to show support for the newly relaunched L’Ordre National du Merite International de la Jeunesse. Ayuketah Tambe, head of studies, planning and co-operation at the Ministry of Youth Affairs, and newly appointed national director of the Award, has a background in youth development and government contacts and is therefore ideally placed to lead A quarter of the Academy’s pupils are involved in the the Award. Programme and their response has been astounding. To help establish new Award groups across the country, a Villagers who often see the Academy as impossibly remote new leader training course was organised. With sponsorship from their own lives are delighted with the students who from the Orange Foundation, a new funder for the Award mud-plaster houses, plant trees and whitewash new in Africa this year, a workshop was held on 7-11 July at classrooms at Mbonekera primary school. Young people also the British Council in Yaoundé. Susan Nguime, head of help out an orphanage in Mtunthama village, maintaining philanthropy at Orange Cameroon, attended the opening the buildings and grounds, growing maize and vegetables reception and met with Ayuketah, the trainers, and new and playing games with orphans. Some of the Academy’s chair of the Award, Dr Diane Acha-Morfaw. first Gold participants will even be offering The workshop was very successful and was one-to-one tuition in English, maths and attended by 25 new leaders representing computer studies. The Award has also the ten provinces of Cameroon. As had a positive effect on villagers, well as being introduced to the with a notable increase in the Award concept, its ethos and number of pupils attending international community, Mbonekera primary school, delegates explored each indicating the villagers’ section of the Programme renewed commitment to and leadership of an education. Award group. With a continuing partnership Lending a with Orange and new leaders returning helping hand and laying strong foundations for in Nigeria training further Award volunteers, In Nigeria, people the future should with disabilities are see a truly national one of the poorest Award Programme and most marginalized being established in groups in the country. Cameroon. With little or no access www.intaward.org Page 6 | Award World Around the world - Americas Americas

with neighbourhood clean-ups or helping charitable An American adventure in the organisations. On top of this, they are encouraged to Caribbean volunteer on their own initiative, perhaps through their school or church organisations. Cadets volunteer over 2200 The Caribbean Award Sub-Regional Council (CASC) is the hours a year with individuals averaging 60–100 hours of umbrella body for the Caribbean territories of the Americas voluntary service each! Natalie, a participant, says, “It has Region. Each year, it gives Gold and Silver participants given me the privilege to do the things I love, meet new the opportunity to take part in an international expedition people and have many new opportunities. I am honoured to through the CASC Adventurous Journey. This year 95 be doing this Award.” delegates gathered on the beautiful island of St Lucia from 25 July – 10 August. Well done Mississippi! As well as journeying across the Pitons – St Lucia’s two distinctive peaks – and the rainforest, the young people It’s an exciting time in Jackson, Mississippi. In May, over 80 attended a two-day conference on waste management. young people were presented with their Bronze Award by Forming part of the Service Section, this conference saw HRH The Earl of Wessex and Mississippi’s governor, Haley delegates learning about waste management systems and Barbour. But what made this ceremony extra special was touring a waste management facility. At camp, participants its recognition for Oxford, Water Valley and Lafayette high were treated to a treasure hunt and talent show to schools, the first schools in Mississippi to offer the Award. showcase their singing, dancing and acting skills. In running the Programme, these schools are But it wasn’t all fun in the sun as 13 leaders successfully encouraging young people to remain in high school and undertook training to become Adventurous Journey in an area where the dropout rate is 84%, this is a big assessors. This included demonstrating their ability to achievement. Although the law requires students to remain organise participants and wake them up for physical training in education until the age of 16, there is no incentive at 5am! Leader Cassandra Nottage says, “We were able for them to stay and finish high school. By offering the to get first-hand practice as we took charge in making Programme, schools encourage young people to stay and decisions and worked well as a team.” work through the different Award Levels, setting their own goals and attaining recognition for their efforts. Being The Award joins the police the only places in the community that run the Award, these schools also give students a unique opportunity to When Edmonton Police Cadets was established in 1970, it accomplish something special. was the first initiative of its kind in Alberta and aimed to A valuable partnership with the Trent Lott Leadership foster greater understanding between Institute, which introduces the Award to surrounding young people, the community and schools, also helps. College students mentor young people police. Now, with the help of The who need guidance and motivation, encouraging them to Duke of Edinburgh’s Award choose college as an option after high school. Not only in Canada, it is enriching have participants’ achievements been recognised by the the lives, experience, and community and the press, but a celebratory event was held potential of young people in their honour at the governor’s mansion. from across the region. Open to young men and women aged 14 to 20, the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) cadet programme instills a sense of community and citizenship in its cadets, equipping them with the skills and training to become valuable members of society. Cadets develop life skills, leadership qualities, self-confidence and undertake police related pursuits including firearm safety and search and rescue. To further promote self-development, reliance and responsibility to the community, the Award has been seamlessly incorporated into the police cadet programme. This partnership between Edmonton Police Cadets and the Award is a perfect fit as both programmes encourage and motivate young people towards greater self-development. Although the cadet programme already focuses on community service, the Award allows for more individual recognition. Cadets volunteer with the EPS and contribute to their community in a meaningful way, for example by conducting ‘official’ volunteer requests such as assisting www.intaward.org Award World | Page 7 Around the world - Asia Pacific Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific gets water savvy experience the challenges that their grandparents and great grandparents would have faced. The students learned a variety of new skills and interests, played traditional games and made artefacts and traditional tools such as boomerangs and dilly bags (hand spun bags used to gather food). The ride enabled them to gain a valuable insight into a past era and to develop an appreciation of the richness and toughness of the Pilliga area, as elders from various Aboriginal communities shared their stories. As well as undertaking visits to traditional, contemporary and historical sites such as Schwager Bore, there were campfire talks around the use of the Pilliga and understanding landscapes. Although exhausted at the end of their journey, the young riders were excited about their newfound skills. Aaron Percival from Coonabarabran, one of the few riders who rode the whole way, said the ride taught him to “get inspired and find leadership qualities in himself”. SmarTone-Vodafone supports youth development

We are delighted to announce that the Hong Kong Award This summer saw the resounding success of the Asia Pacific for Young People (HKAYP) has been selected from more Youth Water Forum taking place in Singapore on 23 - 27 than 100 local charitable organisations to receive a donation June. Hosted by the National Youth Achievement Award of HK$500,000. The money was raised in (NYAA) Council, the forum coincided with Singapore the SmarTone-Vodafone HK Challenge, International Water Week (SIWW), the World Cities Summit a three-day competition held and the East Asia Summit Conference on liveable cities. in Hong Kong last October More than 140 young people from 15 NYAA Operating where participating teams Authorities and representatives from eight countries in the performed tasks such as Asia Pacific region attended. Delegates went to the opening problem solving and ceremony of SIWW attended by Singapore’s Prime Minister, physical activities. Well Lee Hsien Loong, and 5000 water experts from around the done to the Award world. They also visited the SIWW exhibition and undertook instructors and water-related site visits, including one to NeWater who participants in the recycle waste water into drinking water. HKAYP team who At the forum, each overseas youth delegate gave a achieved first place in presentation on water issues in their country, which was the mixed category followed by a brainstorming session and the development and second in the of action plans in small groups. Meagan, one of the overall competition. participants from Australia said, “It’s absolutely amazing The team also won what’s being done and I have definitely come home fired up, ‘Most Sporting Team’ in inspired and ready to make myself more active.” the worldwide final event, World Team Challenge, held in . On the ride of their lives The money was used to establish the SmarTone-Vodafone In late April, eight Aboriginal youths embarked on a 200 AYP International Exchange Programme kilometre horseback trek though a cultural trail in the Fund, which aims to support the personal development Pilliga area. Organised by the Department of Environment of Hong Kong’s underprivileged youths. By subsidising and Climate Change with support from the about 200 disadvantaged youths and volunteers to take Award, the two-week ride aimed part in the Award’s international exchange programmes, to connect the young people the fund enables these young people to improve with their country and their their interpersonal and leadership skills. A launch culture. The students were ceremony was held in March and the fund officially from schools in Narrabri, came into effect on 1 April 2008. This fund Coonabarabran, Pilliga and enabled the Hong Kong Award to organise an Baradine and were chosen exchange project with the Netherlands in the by their community and summer. Twelve Hong Kong participants went school as future leaders. to Bernheze in the Netherlands to learn about Taught about the links the country’s water policy and how the Dutch between indigenous and deal with environmental problems. Find out European cultures in the how they got on in the next issue of Award area, participants were World! given the opportunity to

www.intaward.org Page 8 | Award World Around the world - EMAS EMAS

reeds from around riverbeds. The young people also helped Bringing hope to Mahmudiye repair and maintain five walking paths by fixing damaged signs, removing litter and clearing vegetation cutting across In the Turkish province of Eskisehir stands Mahmudiye, paths. And to help increase the bird and bat population, a small town with a lot of potential for the group constructed various types of artificial nests development. Although Mahmudiye has and placed them in specific locations to meet the habitat a big future in store, the current lack requirements of potential bird and bat visitors. of educational and social resources The group’s outstanding efforts were covered in the is forcing inhabitants to move Portuguese press. Chris Wightman, a participant from the away. To encourage people to UK, said, “It was a fantastic experience: a chance to help stay and increase the dwindling the environment, learn new things, meet new people, and population of young people, get your voice heard by those in a position to do something the local authority is investing great. A must for everyone.” a lot of time and effort into developing the town and improving living conditions. East meets west Despite this, the maintenance and repair of Mahmudiye primary school had been continually delayed because of a lack of funding. Hearing about the school’s plight, big-hearted Award participants decided to step in to help as part of their Residential Project. Over the course of five days in June, students from universities, colleges and secondary schools including Ankara University and MUGEV Turkmen College repainted the interior and exterior walls of the school and cleaned and brightened up classrooms with flowers and balloons. Participants also visited local beauty spots and historical attractions and attended seminars by key Turkish figures. The mayor of Eskisehir, Yilmaz Buyukersen, spoke about the importance of the group’s work in Mahmudiye and well-known businesswoman Sema Gural Surmeli, who has received awards for her professional achievements, told inspirational stories about her commitment to community Two Loyalist youth groups in east Belfast and the Corpus service. By transforming the physical condition of the Christi Youth Centre in Nationalist Ballymurphy in west school, the young people not only improved the students’ Belfast were recently brought together by the community lives but also contributed to the overall efforts to regenerate relations programme ‘East Meets West’. Twelve young Mahmudiye. people from each community took part in a year-long project which involved them completing their Bronze Award Digging deep in Portugal of Gaisce – The President’s Award under the auspices of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Northern Ireland. In one year, participants completed all four Sections For one week in March, 60 young people from across the of the Award, which included a trek through the Mourne EMAS region joined forces for the EMAS Youth Environment Mountains last November and environmental work in Project. Organised by Premio Infant D. Enrique, the Award in cemeteries where participants rebuilt walls and cleared Portugal, this Gold Residential Project was held in Portugal’s graves. As part of their Physical Recreation, the young Natural Park Sintra-Cascais, and gave participants the people were involved in a variety of outdoor pursuits chance to voice their concerns about environmental issues. including organising and participating in soccer training Among the countries represented were the UK, Finland, and for some, swimming for the first time. Over a 26- Kuwait, and Turkey. week period, they also completed their Level II Conflict Having prepared homework on topics such as Resolution, Level I Community Relations and their Political preservation and environmental policies in their countries, History Bronze Level. participants attended presentations and discussions and The Award has had an amazing impact and has been undertook five key tasks based a great learning opportunity for both groups who have around clearing and improving successfully built relationships across the communities in the Natural Park. Armed with the north as well as with groups in Carlingford and Dublin. equipment kindly provided by As well as improving community relations in their areas, the Cascais City Council and the young people have developed their skills, confidence and Natural Park Sintra-Cascais, self-esteem. Great value was also added to the programme the group’s work included when the group began exploring their shared past. planting and watering Following on from this project, 96 young people with cross native plants, and removing community backgrounds are now undertaking their Bronze rubbish and invasive Award. vegetation such as giant

www.intaward.org Award World | Page 9 Award focus: Gold Award holders

Foreign connections

From a chance meeting at the last International Gold Event (IGE) in Hong Kong, two delegates dreamt up a project that would show the Award’s capacity to forge new friendships and transgress borders. Rosalyn Yake from Canada tells us about her Indian adventure.

I first met Anantha Naryana, a Gold Award Anantha’s family are devout Hindus so I had to acquaint holder from India, three years ago in the myself with religious practices including praying in the heat of southern at the IGE 2005 family’s ‘pooja’ prayer room before eating dinner. A home where we were challenged to devise ways stay is a great way to gain an insight into another way of life the Programme could affect global issues and Anantha’s family were very welcoming - it really added including poverty. We volunteered at a to my whole experience. school in a poor community in the hills of China where children lived in shanty houses Back to school and had little more than a banana to eat My first placement was at Olcott School in Tamil Nadu. Since for lunch. And this inspired us to develop a 1894, the school has been providing free education to the project to help students back in Anantha’s city’s ‘untouchables’ – the lowest class of India’s ancient hometown of Chennai in India. After the IGE, caste system, which deems fishermen and tradesmen as we stayed in touch through email and this third-rate citizens. The children of this caste are denied year, Anantha helped organise the volunteer experience of a lifetime - a 21-day adventure in three different locations related to the IGE’s theme of poverty. “Together we planned

Culture shock an incredible trip and During my trip, I stayed with Anantha’s family, which was a bit of a culture shock as proved that the Award there were many things I had to adapt to. Many Indian families don’t use knives and can make a dent in the forks so I learned to eat with my hands and pandemic of poverty.” www.intaward.org Page 10 | Award World Award focus: Gold Award holders

the right to education and have been reduced to a life of begging and crime on the city’s streets. By undertaking the Programme, students at this school are given an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty and gain a sense of accomplishment. They volunteer at elderly people’s homes, go on camping expeditions and gain workplace values such as time management and goal setting. They strengthen their CVs and gain experiences usually only achieved by students in private schools. In this way the Award helps bridge the gap between the rich and poor. While at this school, I embarked on two service projects including a trip to an elderly people’s home where I helped students put on an afternoon concert. I also undertook a trip to a polluted river near the Bay of Bengal, picking up garbage along the shore and learning about mangrove trees. What I enjoyed most, however, was watching how even against the backdrop of poverty, this school’s children didn’t forget how to play. “International The Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) My next placement was at SCARF, which is connected to the Award friendships World Health Organisation and houses around 150 mental health patients. Supported by Award participants, SCARF Left: are unique and Rosalyn with raises awareness about mental illness and reaches out to children from poor and at-risk communities by providing its services free the Olcott of charge. really do have the School. Although my stay was short, I got involved in a whole Above right: range of fulfilling activities from conducting social skills capacity to make Rosalyn and sessions to helping with craft classes. It was moving to see Anantha’s how organisations like SCARF are helping families whose a difference.” family. breadwinner can no longer work due to mental illness, Below: even paying for their children’s school fees. This is vital An Award in a country where illness only exacerbates the miseries participant entrenched in poverty, especially when healthcare comes at clears rubbish a cost. at a polluted river near the Bay of Bengal. Different worlds My final stop was Bakthavatsalam Vidyashram School, where uniformed children and the buzz of electricity and air conditioning are stark reminders of the luxury that typifies Tips on organising a private school education in India. It’s hard to believe your own IGE inspired that just outside its gates are beggars on sidewalks and barefooted mothers swaddling babies outside mud huts. adventure: Recognising this disparity, the school and the Award run a non-profit nursery centre feeding and caring for about 50 Make new friends children under the age of six. All from poor villages nearby, Make the most of your time at the IGE they are given the nutrition and socialization to have a good by talking with delegates from different start in life. countries. This is a good opportunity At this school, I spent time with the nursery, reading to make new friends and build contacts Canadian storybooks to younger classes, and spoke to - you never know where it might lead. Indian Award participants about their own experiences. When you get home, stay in touch by From embroidery to camping on tiger reserves, Award email and through the IGE Facebook activities mirror this diverse and adventurous country. Like group. our Canadian dog sledding and snowshoeing expeditions, the Indian Award embraces the heart of its own culture. Do your homework If you decide to plan an Award based trip Looking back or project, do your research so you can Reflecting on the past three weeks, I feel grateful for the make the most of your experience. What connection I made with Anantha at the IGE in 2005. are the volunteer needs of any places Together we planned an incredible trip and proved that you’d like to visit? How can you add value the Award can make a dent in the pandemic of poverty. to the Award nationally or internationally With the help of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in through your project? Think of local Canada, I’m now planning a fundraising project to assist organisations you can co-operate with the Olcott School with meeting the nutritional needs or contact your local Award office for of its students. International Award friendships are advice. unique and really do have the capacity to make a difference. Start small Start with a simple plan and build as you go, being realistic about what you can achieve. Keeping a photo or souvenir of the IGE is a good way of keeping you inspired once you return home.

www.intaward.org Award World | Page11 Global Award strategy

Extending the Award: Brazil

With a population of over 180 million, Brazil is Latin America’s youth activities and forging successful partnerships with largest country - the fifth most populated in the world. By organisations such as the Scouts, Instituto Treinar has reaching just a small proportion of its youth population doubled the number of its existing groups, helping Brazil as that currently stands at over 35 million, Brazil could single- a whole reach over 800 participants. handedly meet the Association’s goal of having one million annual Award participants by 2010. David Clarke, Americas regional director, says, “As one of the largest countries in the Breaking barriers Americas region, the Award cannot claim a regional or global One of the biggest challenges for the Award in Brazil is foot print without it.” But being a programme of choice for the allure of drugs and crime, which characterise many of young people worldwide is about more than simply increasing the places where young people live. Thirty per cent of the numbers. So how do you introduce the Programme to such a country’s population live below the poverty line and for large youth population while also ensuring that participation many, drug dealing is the only option in life. One of the is being increased in a meaningful way? hopes of launching the Award in Brazil was to broaden young peoples’ minds, offering an alternative to drug dealing and crime. By implementing the Programme in Beginnings schools, the Award would not only help combat truancy The Award in Brazil is managed by Instituto Treinar, but also give these young people a much needed sense of which started as an Independent Operator in 2006 with direction, helping them become model citizens wanting to the intention of introducing the Award into five different make a difference and improve conditions around them. states: Santa Catarina, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Piaui and The Award opens new doors for young Brazilians, Parana. Introducing the Award in any new country has its equipping them with new skills that enable them to challenges; Brazil’s come from its political structure of a find a decent job and earn an honest living. In a school federal government and 26 states that have a degree of in Brejaru, Santa Catarina, the introduction of a baking independence and manage their own internal affairs. course created business and income for participants and Not only does Instituto Treinar have to set up a their families, as well as opportunities for other young programme and support structure that fits all 26 states but people in the community. And in Governador Celso Ramos, education is funded at state level, not through the federation. Award participants developed a project around saving This means that the Award has to apply directly to each and recycling rainwater, which was approved by the Santa individual state for financial support. To successfully establish Catarina government and may be implemented in all schools itself in Brazil, Instituto Treinar has to tackle each state one at across the state. a time. The Programme also gives young people the opportunity Starting with Santa Catarina, Instituto Treinar successfully to participate in Brazilian politics, helping to restore their implemented the Programme in a number of schools before self-respect and boost their confidence. Last April, 20 launching a national training course for leaders. The state Award participants helped define youth polices by attending now has 213 participants including a 60-strong orchestra the first National Youth Conference in Brasilia organised and 15 talented football players. By undertaking a variety of by UNESCO. Diego de Oliveira from Santa Catarina says,

www.intaward.org Page 12 | Award World Global Award strategy

Left: Dave Clarke, Americas regional director (centre, back row) and Andre Videira (far right, front row) with young people in a favella in Rio.

Right: Award participants at a football match sponsored by the Award.

“I learned that I am part of a whole process and everything funding issue as yet.” that happens with my community is my responsibility. The Despite this, Instituto Treinar is continuing with its first thing I did was join the students’ association where ambitious action plan for 2008-2010, which includes I can claim things for my school and try to get at the reaching more than 15,000 young people. Recently the government with even bigger things that will benefit my Secretary of Education for Santa Catarina agreed to extend school and the entire community.” the Award to more than 36 schools over a three-year period. And it doesn’t stop there: Instituto Treinar aims to become a National Award Authority by December 2008. Their work What next? has only just begun! Instituto Treinar’s main challenge is keeping the Award running. It wants to continue building on its achievements in Santa Catarina but also extend its success to the four other “Brazil could single- target states. In Rio de Janeiro, despite struggling in some suburban areas, the Award had a healthy 600 participants in 2007. handedly meet Funding is a crucial factor in Instituto Treinar’s success. Although it receives some financial support from the state the Association’s and the private sector, as a non-governmental organisation it must source its own funding and become self-sustainable. goal of having one “The Award has massive potential to make a contribution to the social capital of the country and finding a way to million annual Award convince donors of this potential is the key,” says David Clarke. “It’s important to find champions with the resources participants by 2010.” to facilitate development. We have found a champion to get the operations going, however, we haven’t cracked the

Beyond Brazil

A quick update on some other key territories in which Award colleagues are working hard to establish the Programme:

Russia The newest NAA in the EMAS region, Russia has 949 participants. With a youth population of over 24 million and a geographical area covering over an eighth of the Earth’s land mass, its size and diversity make establishing the Award a great challenge!

China Work has begun on a future partnership and pilot programme to introduce the Award to China’s 217 million young people. To raise the Award’s profile and recognise Independent Operators, HRH The Earl of Wessex recently attended an Award reception in Beijing.

Bangladesh Despite non-formal education being a totally new concept in Bangladesh, a new national director was appointed in April and the Programme was launched in August to target Bangladesh’s 31 million young people. www.intaward.org Award World | Page 13 Award operators in depth

Reaching Finland’s immigrant communities

In Finland, the Award is successfully reaching a new set of young people. Jukka Ruotsalainen, Finland’s national co-ordinator, tells us about the secrets of running such a project, the difficulties the team in Finland have faced, and how working with a mixed group of participants illustrates the true diversity of the Award.

Avartti - the Finnish Award, has around those living in other cities. By exploiting this Above: 1000 participants and receives financial online network, we have been able to extend Parya, an support from a number of sources our activities to other parts of Finland. Afghan participant, including the Ministry of Education and the Young immigrants who are undertaking the receives her Nokia Corporation. This financial support Award introduce the Programme to their Silver Award has enabled us to focus our efforts on friends, share their experiences and tell from Finland’s key projects including targeting young them about its challenges and rewards. The President Tarja Halonen. immigrants, an initiative which has continued only pitfall of this method is that for it to be to go from strength to strength. successful, we have to have key contacts Below: We started working with young people within these communities who not only have Jukka who had not been born in Finland in a good online network of friends but are Routsalinen. Jyväskylä in 2001 and currently have 100 also trusted by their peers. participants from immigrant communities. Another way that we target this In 2003, ten boys hit the headlines when community is through holding weekend they achieved their Bronze Award. Originally camps. Planned and carried out by from Afghanistan, they were some of the participants, these events aim to draw in first refugees to arrive in Jyväskylä. With positive media coverage and the increasing involvement of our country’s President, Tarja Halonen, interest in the Programme has grown and in March 2008, we received public recognition for our efforts when we were acknowledged by the Finnish Red Cross for our work with young refugees and immigrants.

Targeting the right audience Reaching such a specific set of young people is not without its challenges, especially as young newcomers to the country tend to be a very tightly knit group. Like many people, they use the internet to communicate with their friends, especially

www.intaward.org Page 14 | Award World Award operators in depth new people and raise awareness of the opportunities that the Programme offers. As well as introducing the Award, the camp enables participants to undertake different outdoor activities, exchange experiences and sample traditional Finnish food.

Building trust Groups of enthusiastic young people and good networks alone, however, are not enough and in order for us to fully establish ourself within this community we have to gain the trust and support of participants’ families. This can be difficult as most of the parents don’t speak or understand Finnish so we use interpreters to help maintain clear and open communication. We work hard to build relationships with families and as well as inviting them to participate in Award ceremonies, we organise local celebrations. Gradually parents learn to trust our Award leaders, the safety of Award activities and, more importantly, they develop an interest in the possibilities that the Programme offers.

A new way of life Moving to a new country and adapting to a way of life which often seems alien can be difficult. These young people have a strong cultural inheritance and have to reconcile Above: this with the customs and traditions of A group their new home country, which isn’t easy. of Afghan The Award aims to help young people from and Finnish immigrant communities adjust, and supports young people undertake their their integration into Finnish society by Adventurous encouraging them to find new hobbies, Journey. participate in local youth activities, make Finnish friends and become familiar with Finnish culture. Overcoming mutual prejudices has been one of our biggest challenges and the key “Reaching such a specific set to achieving this has been honest and open communication – learning to understand the of young people is not without differences between the different cultures and religions but also to respect them. its challenges, especially At first, communicating with our participants without a common language as young newcomers to the was a challenge, but overall, we’ve had a positive response. Many of the young people involved in this project have shown real country tend to be a very enthusiasm and one of the most popular items in the Skills Section is learning Finnish. tightly knit group.”

A programme for all The adaptable format of the Award Programme has been a key factor in getting young refugees and immigrants A way to settle in to commit as it is relevant to any young person, anywhere in the world and we want Shabi from Afghanistan who signed up for the Award in 2006 to continue to give young immigrants the explains how the Award can help newcomers find their feet in a opportunity to join the Programme. The foreign country: Award is open to everyone, participation doesn’t require comprehensive knowledge “When I first came to Finland as a foreigner, the possibility to get of Finnish and it isn’t tied to a specific to know Finns and Finland’s culture was given to me by the Avartti religion or culture. Programme and it has been one of my best experiences. Since I joined In the future, we aim to have 10,000 the Programme, I’ve participated in its activities and met people from young participants including at least 1000 different countries. I’ve become more active and social, and that from immigrant communities. With the feels great. When it comes to developing a young generation, I wish financial backing of organisations such as that every country enabled young immigrants to participate in this Nokia, who recently gave us extra funding Programme.” for this initiative, we are sure to succeed and the Award will continue to touch another set of young peoples’ lives.

www.intaward.org Award World | Page 15 A day in the life A day in A typical day:

I don’t usually have a typical day. They are normally different and very diverse but it depends very much on the time of the year. the life Between June and the end of July, a typical day is spent in the office with a few meetings outside. Ever wondered what Name : Luisa Beirão Age: Past the age for 0830 it’s like to be a national doing the Award! Take the Cascais train to Lisbon, enjoying beautiful views of the co-ordinator? Luisa Job: National River Tejo and the Atlantic Ocean. co-ordinator Before the train arrives, I have a Beirão from Premio Infant strong Portuguese coffee.

D.Enrique, Portugal tells 0900 Arrive at the office. Turn on the us about herself and her computer while checking my agenda and opening up folders to typical day. start work on. Check emails and try to answer them straight away. At the moment, as well as looking at How long have you been involved in Award Programme they are more supportive projects for next year, I’m preparing the Award? Since October 1990. I really towards the community and aware of their for the next school year by working enjoy what I do and that’s why I’ve been needs. on new materials, translations, new operational CDs, training materials involved for so long. I’m always learning and and updating our website. improving myself and even though this is my How do you feel when you see young 18th year with the Award, the work is still a people achieving their Awards? Very, very 1000 challenge. proud of their achievements. Speechless. If I have phone calls I try to do them now as it’s easiest to reach everyone before 12:30. If there’s Tell us about your role in the Award. My What has been the best experience you’ve a training course, I arrive an hour role is very diverse. You can find me in a had in working with young people and the earlier for rehearsals. I check the presentation for young people at a school Award? Seeing young people in action! I sound and IT equipment and spend time with the leader or co-ordinator or prison, on visits or supporting them. I can recall two experiences in particular – going over what we are doing. could be setting up and giving a seminar or kayaking down the river Zézere and this course, meeting with town halls, travelling year’s EMAS Residential Project – but there 1300 around the country supporting operational are many others. Yesterday a Portuguese Lunchtime. By now I’m starving! authorities or launching new ones - young offender received a sectional I have three options - have even organising the 6th EMAS Regional certificate in a prison – a first for the Award lunch with someone, go to Chez Degroote or just have a sandwich Conference. here. I’ve brought from home and keep working. After lunch, it’s time for What are the key characteristics you need Has being involved in the Award changed another coffee or I go to the bank or do some shopping. to be good in your role? Initiative, vision your outlook? Completely. It has helped me and preparation - those are what I consider to stand up for my beliefs and ideals. 1400 to be of the utmost importance. Others are If there is an Award presentation, motivation, enthusiasm, commitment and What would you say to other adults who I get to the venue early to start preparations such as checking enjoying working with young people. might be thinking about getting involved the space and sound. I bring with in the Award? Give it a try! You will me the medals and certificates, What impact has the Award had on the experience something you never have check the guest tables, give a list community you work in? A tremendous before; you will recognise your priorities of the participants to the person from City Hall who is conducting impact. Young people are helping out in in life more easily and acquire enough the ceremony and check that hospitals, the fire brigade, even life saving. confidence to do whatever you want to do everybody has arrived. Once someone has participated in the with your life. 1600 Check emails again and send some From left to right: to London probably. Get back • Visiting a Residential Project in to another translation, changing Creoula documents, confirming bookings • At this year’s EMAS Residential and arranging meetings. Project 1800 I ring and speak with some leaders and assessors who are currently setting up projects and activities for the beginning of September. The end of the day is always a good time to sort out my work for the next day, getting a folder ready for a meeting or even cleaning my desk of papers. I write a list for the next day of things that need to be done.

1900 As it is summer, I leave the office early and go for a walk along the sea, before going out for dinner with friends. www.intaward.org Page 16 | Award World Round the world with 21 events Round the world with 21 events

The long-term engagement of supporters plays a vital part links between supporters and the Award in their region. in helping more young people benefit from participating National Award Authorities (NAAs) stand to benefit in the Award. Here we look at the role of The Duke of directly from the series. Fellows can request that 50% of the Edinburgh’s Award World Fellowship and our latest income from their gift is committed to a particular country ambitious fundraising initiative. by specifying that it is sent to an NAA’s capital fund. NAAs should also benefit through the introduction of potential Introducing the World supporters from events held in their country or region. Fellowship Established in 1987, Get involved the World Fellowship With 13 events in this exciting series still to come, this is (WF) is a group of your opportunity to get involved and recruit a Fellow in over 300 committed your country. If you are interested in recruiting a Fellow supporters from or organising a 21-2-21 event in your country, or have any around the world who questions about this series, please contact Claire Dakin, support the work World Fellowship director on [email protected]. of the Association. By contributing to a capital endowment fund, the WF provides a substantial part of the income that funds the work of the Association. “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award World Fellowship truly represents the dedication and commitment of Award supporters,” says Sir Arnold Elton, chair of the events committee and World Fellow. “For 21 years, the network has extended its reach to those who wish Some highlights so far to contribute to the provision of opportunities for young people for personal development across the globe.” 1 November 2007 - The Kensington Palace Gala Dinner, London 21-2-21 At the official launch of 21-2-21, generous guests raised over £100,000 at an auction and raffle. Last autumn saw the launch of 21-2-21, a unique series of 21 fundraising events linking the 21st anniversary celebrations of the WF (June 2008) and the Association (November 28 May 2008 - World Fellowship 21st Anniversary Dinner, 2009). Events are taking place all over the world, at Buckingham Palace, London locations including New York, Lisbon and Hong Kong. Each At the largest WF gathering in its history, guests were one is hosted by a World Fellow or Young Fellow of the WF, treated to a thrilling performance by the Irish Guards who who must secure at least one new World Fellow (or three performed a beating retreat in the grounds of Buckingham new Young Fellows) and reach the fundraising target of Palace. £21,000 per event. In honour of these celebrations, an Award scroll signed 7 June 2008 - Chandaria Event, Toronto, Canada by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh is being passed from event Sunir Chandaria, a Gold Award holder who also to event. During its two-year journey around the world it represented Canada at the International Gold Encounter will be signed by all host Fellows until it reaches its final (IGE) in 2002, welcomed over 100 guests for a fun-filled destination during the 10th International Forum in Sydney, Bollywood themed evening. November 2009. A copy of this unique memento will then be given to each host Fellow at the Association’s 21st Celebratory Gala Dinner during the Forum.

Building support locally The main objective of the events series is to strengthen the Association’s four regions, not just by increasing resources, but by building a network of engaged local supporters. By recruiting new World Fellows and raising money at the events, 21-2-21 will help secure the financial sustainability of the Association and support the expansion of the Award through the regional offices. But more than that it will help to reinvigorate the WF network globally and strengthen

www.intaward.org Award World | Page 17 How to: Take a good Award photo How to: Take a good Award photo By Pam Marmito and Alex Nartey

These days you don’t have to be a professional photo should give context and add interest, to take a good picture but it takes a little more enhancing the overall picture. Keep your effort to take a good Award photo. Brassaï, image simple and exclude any distractions. a Hungarian photographer, once said, “There And remember – change your camera settings is only one criterion for a good photograph: so the date doesn’t appear on the photo. A that it be unforgettable.” And in many ways large date in the corner will ruin your image this also rings true when taking a good Award and make it unsuitable for publication. picture. A good Award photo says ‘a thousand words’, to borrow from a well known phrase. It enables you to make a personal connection to the place or people in the shot, not only showing what they are doing but giving a sense of what they are thinking and feeling. It captures the spirit of the Award and reflects its values of Left: self-improvement, excellence, confidence Facial and pride. Whether it’s a picture of young expressions people undertaking Award activities or an show us how image showing the Award’s impact on the people are feeling, so community, it will have a strong connection zoom in on your to the Programme. It will also capture the subject. Award’s diversity by showing participants of different genders, ages and races. Below: The rule of thirds. What are you looking at? Even when you are not taking a formal, posed shot, and your subject is not looking directly at you, it is important to get as much of their face in shot as possible. Facial expressions tell us what is happening and show us how people are feeling, so zoom in on your subject and get rid of any unnecessary space. Clear, high- resolution close-ups of faces can have a big impact, whereas having your subjects’ backs to the camera can obscure what is happening and be less engaging.

Composition Make your subject the focal point by placing them in the foreground of the shot. But instead of placing them directly in the middle, follow the rule of thirds: imagine that your viewfinder is divided into a grid of three horizontal rows and three vertical columns. Make sure that the most important features of your photo are placed where these lines intersect. The background of your

www.intaward.org Page 18 | Award World How to: Take a good Award photo

Relax Natural poses often make the best pictures. Staged photos can look false and can make your subjects look uncomfortable. If you’re relaxed, your subject will relax so have fun taking your pictures! Remember - always ask permission from your subject to make sure they’re happy to have their picture taken. Always refer to your country’s best practice guidelines to establish whether or not you need permission from a parent or guardian for under 18s.

Action! Action shots are generally more interesting than posed photographs and help to represent the Award as dynamic and about ‘doing’ rather than ‘watching’. A good action shot tells a story even when faces aren’t shown and captures the spirit and excitement of the moment. Above: Natural poses often make the Light it up best pictures. Lighting can dramatically affect the impact of a picture, adding warmth, Left: depth, texture and contrast. For the A good action shot represents best effect, get the sun behind you and the Award as to one side, or use the low position of dynamic and the sun in the early morning and late about ‘doing’. afternoon for a warm, golden glow. Experiment but avoid bright and direct sunlight as it tends to wash out faces and can obscure the faces of people with dark skin colour. Remember - insufficient lighting will result in ‘camera shake’ when the shutter remains open so long that the image is blurred by the movement of the camera in your hand.

Bigger is better Good images should be a minimum of 300 dpi and be a file size of at least 1MB. Pictures that have a low resolution can’t be resized without losing quality and are therefore often unsuitable for publication. Send us your pictures! Equipment With the explosion in digital technology, it’s We are always on the look-out for new and exciting pictures to use not just professional photographers who on our website and in publications such as Award World. If you have good enough cameras to take shots have images you’d like to share: for publication. Although an SLR (single lens reflex) camera will produce quality shots, a • Email them to [email protected]. simple point and press digital camera of three • If you are an Award operator and registered user, log in to the megapixels or more should be adequate. website and use the Submit Resources form. Even phone cameras are of excellent quality • For files that are too large now, and can be good enough for the job. To to email use stabilize the camera, you can use a tripod but file-sending and simply adopting the right posture and giving sharing sites such as yourself a firm stance on the ground will do www.yousendit.com the same. Don’t be afraid to turn your body to and a particular angle as this will help you gauge www.box.net. the object you are about to shoot. • Put them on a disc and post them to us at the International Secretariat head office in London. www.intaward.org Award World | Page 19 Section spotlight: Service

A^bZWUVb Service Our regular Spotlight feature explores each of the Award Sections in depth. In this issue, we reflect on Service and what it can mean for the participant and the wider community.

What is Service? and learning patience. In order to make these discoveries, As the name suggests, this Section is about giving useful Service activity needs to incorporate time for learning so service to others. Service is often seen as the ‘spirit’ of the that the participant is engaged in a rich and meaningful Award because this is where participants can make a real experience. Meaningful Service can leave a lasting legacy difference to the lives of others. It’s about young people with many participants establishing longstanding projects connecting into the wider community and making the world and relationships in the community or developing a lifelong a better place, gaining a sense of responsibility for other commitment to community service. people, and becoming better citizens. What kind of Service? It’s not just about giving Service can involve a wide range of activities including Service isn’t free labour and the community shouldn’t be helping the emergency services or simply teaching the only ones who benefit. This Section is an opportunity somebody to read or write. Many organisations provide for young people to learn more about themselves and opportunities including prison authorities, conservation discover important values and lessons that will enhance groups and international agencies such as Oxfam. Service their life skills; these could include overcoming prejudice should be based around the participant’s aspirations and

Leaders: Activity coaches:

• Be prepared. Although participants should drive • Remember that the participant needs to learn the process and scope Service opportunities for from the experience. Throughout the Service, there themselves, you should be able to give help if should be frequent periods of reflection to reinforce needed. Look around the local area to find suitable learning. Regularly sit down with the young person opportunities, build relationships with organisations and discuss what they’ve learned so they are and try to establish contacts. continually making connections with the work they • Be flexible and give support when it’s required. are doing. Younger participants may need your help as they might • Set expectations and clearly outline what will have more difficulty in finding suitable opportunities happen at the initial briefing. Discuss training, set but don’t do all the work for them as then they won’t goals and clarify the roles and responsibilities of all feel the same sense of achievement. involved, including what is expected of the young • Be responsible. Always be open to a young person person. coming up with their own choices but be aware • Ensure the young person leaves the experience of practicalities such as location, risks and age feeling good about themselves. They should be appropriate options. Check if an opportunity is feasible: given tasks that are do-able, enjoyable and enable a project involving a daily three-hour commute may them to make a valuable contribution. not be realistic for the long-term. • Be positive. Don’t write negative comments in • Be practical. Always discuss key issues with their record book: if the young person needs to organisations involved, such as risk management, try harder, bring this up at early stage so they can insurance, potential downsides and what happens if a improve. participant fails to show up.

www.intaward.org Page 20 | Award World Section spotlight: Service

what they would be good at – they need to feel that they are ‘adding value’ to the people they are working with.

How long? There’s no absolute rule on what is considered regular participation as the amount of time that a young person dedicates to their Service activity depends on a number of factors including the type of activity chosen and their personal circumstances. However, the general rule is that on average, at least one hour per week should be spent doing Service.

Do your bit Young people can gain a lot from Service but only with the proper preparation and ongoing support of all the adults involved. So make sure you do your bit.

Make it positive Because this Section enables young people to have an Leaving a lasting legacy effect on the lives of others, training and preparation are crucial to make sure this impact is positive, especially if Ohad from Israel explains how his Service not only there is significant interaction with vulnerable groups such affected him but also continued to benefit the as the sick. Always check what is required; some activities community long after he completed his Award: may legally require a minimum level of training or just practical, hands-on sessions. Once training is completed, all “In my Bronze Level, I participated in a ‘joy group’, a participants must put their skills into practice. musical group which visited elderly people’s homes, battered women’s shelters and children’s clubs, to add Make it count some joy to the lives of people who have very little to Don’t assume that young people need to go abroad to be joyous for. One day, at the Mayer Children’s Hospital, undertake meaningful Service. Although some participants we walked into the room of a very special child. Netanel may do international Service, there are a wealth of was nine and had been in a car accident. Since then, opportunities closer to home. Often, it can be in these he had been in a coma. It’s sometimes difficult to see if places where young people can make the greatest our efforts truly help people but as soon as we started difference. singing, clapping, waving banners and balloons, Netanel stopped tossing in his bed and his coughing reduced. Glancing at his heart monitor, I saw that it too had “It’s about young steadied. I saw, in a very real way, the good that we were doing. I am proud to say that until this day, there is not a people connecting into holiday or month that passes without this group visiting that hospital and more participants have decided to the wider community make this experience a part of their lives. My younger brother who has just finished the Award has been the and making the world a saxophone player for the past three years. Today, they better place” continue to perform, grow and lead.” www.intaward.org Award World | Page 21 People news

People news

April saw two new faces join the Asia Pacific region The Secretariat also including Suman Sumar Saha who was welcomed Ellie appointed the new national director Rocks who started as of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award their new fundraising Foundation, Bangladesh to help assistant on 28 July. A establish the Award in the country. graduate from Liverpool Suman has an MA in English University with a degree Literature from the University in Psychology and English, of Dhaka and an MBA from Ellie is helping with events the University of Science and and the World Fellowship. Technology in Chittagong. As well as bringing seven years’ experience of teaching in top And finally, well done to Robert schools and universities, Suman has three years of journalistic Mackay from the Award in Canada experience. who was recently named by the national board of directors as ‘Volunteer Delia Banzuelo-Holahan has joined of the Year 2008’ as the International Secretariat as the new part of the Charles J executive assistant for the Asia Pacific regional office, Connaghan’s Award. supporting Sue Walker, the regional director. Robert has been Delia has secretarial and involved in the administrative experience and has Canadian Award worked in a number of project Authority for and office management roles, over 20 years most recently with Hodder including Rook & Associates in Sydney. taking on Delia’s projects for 2008- the role of 09 include working on the national digital media programme president. and training events such as the regional training workshop in Sri Lanka.

In June, Victoria Selano joined the Canadian national team as their new programme/ Coming up in communications co-ordinator. Victoria has a diverse background in marketing, media, sales, and the next issue… communications including a degree in English Literature and a postgraduate degree in journalism. Her work includes extending Canada’s TD Waterhouse ‘Investing in Youth’ As well as more news from the four regions and initiative to youth with disabilities as well as co-ordinating another fascinating insight into ‘A day in the life’, national communications and working on partnerships for don’t miss: the Award. • A full report on the International Gold Event 2008, The Secretariat also recently opened its doors to two new held in Mauritius people. Pamela Marmito joined the team in June as the • Section Spotlight where we get down to the nitty- new communications executive gritty of Physical Recreation having previously worked for • The Award in conflict zones a government department • Africa goes Orange in London, a housing • The Award joins the Miss America pageant charity and a publishing company. She will be Remember, we are always looking for inspirational involved in a range stories to fill these pages. If you have a story to of communications tell, suggestions for articles or any comments projects and is about Award World please send them to responsible for [email protected]. the e-BRIEF and Award World. Deadline for submissions: Friday 5 December 2008.

www.intaward.org Page 22 | Award World Award directory Award directory Africa Senegal Dominica New Zealand Acting Regional Director Diallo Demba Delia Steadman Cindy Naresh and Andy Doctor Judith Ellen Dean Chairman Director Woodhouse Tel: +27 4662 25285 Tel: +221 768 544 000 Tel: +1 767 448 7686 Joint National Directors [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +64 4 568 4091 Operations Director Seychelles Falkland Islands [email protected] Matthew Kithyaka Bernadette Sifflore Ken Newton www.challengenz.org.nz Tel: +254 2 676 5180 Co-ordinator Chairman Pakistan [email protected] Tel: +248 611 352 Tel: +500 27290 Ata-ur-Rehman Benin [email protected] [email protected] National Director Hippolyte da Silva Sierra Leone Grenada Tel: + 92 21 494 5933 Président Alhaji Deen Genevieve Ghita [email protected] Tel: +229 21 05 19 81 Directeur National Director www.dukepak.org.pk [email protected] Tel: +232 22 272 774 Tel: +1 473 409 1714 Singapore For up to date Cameroon [email protected] [email protected] James Soh contact details Oswarld Ayuketah South Africa Guyana Executive Director visit: Directeur Martin Scholtz Alfred King & AP Hon Advisor Tel: +237 344 41 90 Director National Co-ordinator Tel: +65 6733 6753 www.intaward.org [email protected] Tel: +27 4662 27273 Tel: +592 226 9078 [email protected] Comores [email protected] [email protected] www.nyaaa.org Amina Bakar Chehou www.presidentaward.co.za Jamaica Sri Lanka Swaziland Vernon Derby Senerath Kahandalyanage The Duke of Directeur Edinburgh’s Tel: +269 344 264 Phindile Ndabandaba National Director Chairman [email protected] Director Tel: +1 876 929 9546 Tel: +94 11 2896563 Award International Cote d’Ivoire Tel: +0268 5052425 [email protected] www.youthawardlanka.org Association Dramane Zangre [email protected] www.jmaward.org Tel: +44 (0)20 7222 4242 Directeur Uganda St Lucia Europe, Fax: +44 (0)20 7222 4141 Tel: +225 070 916 37 Mukiibi Katende Llewellyn Gill Mediterranean [email protected] [email protected] Director National Director & Arab States www.intaward.org Gabon Tel: +256 312 265 133 Tel: +1 758 451 9251 Regional Director Elizabeth Kouebadi [email protected] [email protected] Kirsten Thompson Secretary General: Gillian Shirazi LVO Directeur Togo St Vincent Tel: +44 (0)20 7222 5323 Tel: +241 735 9970 Michel Adopre Festus Toney [email protected] [email protected] Director Chairman Gambia Tel: +228 338 8214 Tel: +1 784 4561 895 Jean-Claude Rousseau Jordan Abdoulie Bah [email protected] [email protected] General Secretary Samar Kildani Chairman Trinidad and Tobago Tel: +32 69 580131 Americas Patricia Pierre-Joseph National Director & Tel: +220 449 6541 [email protected] Regional Consultant Regional Director Director [email protected] Arab States Ghana David Clarke Tel: +1 868 663 6158 Tomas Fajkus Tel: +962 6 535 6687 Prime Ernest Safo Tel: +876 968 7288 [email protected] Executive Director [email protected] National Co-ordinator [email protected] Tel: + 420 251 104 134 www.hyaward.org.jo Development Officer Asia Pacific Tel: +233 244 577 819 [email protected] Luxembourg Bert Hamilton Regional Director [email protected] www.edie.cz Josée Bredimus-Kohnen www.hosa.wetpaint.com Tel: +1 784 456 2639 Sue Walker Finland Secretary Co-ordinator Guinea [email protected] Tel: +61 2 9299 5454 Jukka Ruotsalainen Tel: +352 2629 3560 Sidate Kaba Antigua and Barbuda [email protected] National Co-ordinator [email protected] Director Kelisa Hunte Australia Tel: +358 50 343 1143 Malta Tel: +244 602 018 10 Director Kim Brislane National CEO [email protected] Charles Cilia MVO [email protected] Tel: +1 268 771 7400 Tel: +6129 252 2408 www.avartti.fi Chairman Kenya [email protected] [email protected] Tel: +356 21 486992 Edwin Kimani Bahamas www.dukeofed.org.au Klaus Vogel [email protected] Director Denise Mortimer Fiji National Co-ordinator The Netherlands National Executive Director Tel: +254 020 676 5780 Saki Regu Tel: +49 6291 68040 Wim van der Laan Tel: +1 242 236 1761 www.presidentsaward.or.ke Award Co-ordinator [email protected] National Director Lesotho [email protected] Tel: +679 331 5960 www.jugendprogramm.de Tel: +31 76 5140732 Phillip Mocheta www.bahamasggya.org [email protected] Gibraltar [email protected] Director Barbados Hong Kong Michael Pizzarello www.award.nl Geoff Ramsey Tel: +266 22 313 628 Lai Pui Wing National Director Portugal Chairman [email protected] Chief Executive Officer Tel: +350 200 59818 Luisa Beirao Madagascar Tel: +1 246 436 8754 Tel: +852 2728 3243 [email protected] National Co-ordinator Perline Razakarisoa [email protected] [email protected] Ireland Tel: +351 21 343 04 97 Secrétaire Général www.deabarbados.org www.ayp.org.hk Barney Callaghan [email protected] Tel : +261 32 473 1555 Bermuda India Director Maroof Raza Russia [email protected] Erica Smith Tel: +353 1 475 8746 National Director Elena Antoshko Mauritius Director [email protected] Tel: +91 11 694 166 16 Director Patricia Achille Tel: +1 441 537 4868 www.gaisce.ie [email protected] Tel: +78 142 785 330 Director [email protected] Israel www.theaward.bm www.iayp.org [email protected] Tel: +230 467 0626 Aviva Ben-Raphael Turkey Canada Macau [email protected] Rosita Kuan National Co-ordinator Melek Muderrisgil Nigeria Rick Ashbee National Director Tel: +972 3 6990037 Vice Chairman Jophia Gupar Director Tel: +853 2870 1331 [email protected] Tel: + 90 312 441 7087 Director Tel: +1 416 203 0674 [email protected] www.iya.co.il [email protected] [email protected] Tel: + 234 8051 214 502 www.mayp.org.mo www.ugo.org.tr www.dukeofed.org [email protected] Malaysia United Kingdom St Helena Cayman Islands Wasitah Yusof Peter Westgarth Tessa Roberts Katherine Jackson Deputy Director General CEO Director Chairperson Tel: +603 9171 9204 Tel: +44 (0) 1753 727 430 Tel: +290 3727 Tel: +1 345 925 5291 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] www.kbs.gov.my www.theaward.org

Independent Operators Afghanistan, Argentina, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Brazil, British Virgin Islands, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Dem Rep of Congo, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, France, Greece, Guinea Bissau, Hungary, Indonesia, , , Kuwait, Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malawi, Malaysia, Monaco, Namibia, Nepal, Nigeria, Niue, Oman, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, , Qatar, , Saudi Arabia, Serbia, , , Solomon Islands, South Korea, Spain, St Maarten, Sudan, , , Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turks & Caicos, UAE, USA, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe www.intaward.org Award World | Page 23 The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association Award House 7-11 St Matthew Street London SW1P 2JT United Kingdom